1. First Arrival in the Caribbean Town: Impressions of Chetumal
Chetumal, a tranquil Caribbean town nestled near the border with Belize, offers a very different rhythm compared to Mexico’s more tourist-heavy cities. The moment I stepped off the ADO bus after a nearly five-hour journey from Cancún, I felt something shift—less noise, less rush, and more serenity.
The sea breeze carried a subtle scent of salt, fresh and cool, never overwhelming. The streets were clean, locals moved at an unhurried pace, and the buildings reflected a harmonious blend of Mexican and Caribbean aesthetics—colorful, yet never garish. Under the intense sunlight, the town exuded life. Come nightfall, the air turned pleasantly cool, and the wind from the bay carried the soft sounds of the waves inland.
Before arriving, I had spent quite some time researching accommodations across different platforms. I had a clear set of criteria: I wanted a room with a sea view, preferably with a private balcony. The room should have an independent air-conditioning system, include breakfast, be close enough to the city center for convenience but far enough to feel the calm of the coast. And above all, it had to fit within my budget.
After comparing multiple options, I finally made my reservation through Booking.com for a stay at Hotel Noor.
2. Checking into Hotel Noor: A Quiet Touch of Elegance by the Bay
Hotel Noor Chetumal is located along the city’s seaside boulevard, officially at Av. Álvaro Obregón 312, Col. Centro, CP 77000. Its location is excellent—directly across from the sea, about a 10–15 minute walk from the ADO bus station, and surrounded by convenience stores, cafés, and authentic Mexican eateries.
I made the booking two weeks before my trip. The room I chose was a Double Room with Balcony and Sea View, and the total cost for two nights was MXN 3,340 (approximately USD 196 or CNY 1,370). This price included taxes, service charges, and breakfast. The booking came with a free cancellation policy up to 48 hours before check-in, and no prepayment was required.
By the time I arrived at the hotel, the sun had already begun to dip below the horizon. The front desk staff welcomed me warmly, fluent in English and highly professional. Check-in was swift. Within minutes, I had my key card and breakfast vouchers in hand, along with a friendly reminder about breakfast hours and Wi-Fi access.
3. Inside the Room: Simple Comforts and a Front-Row View of the Caribbean
Stepping into the room, my first thought was: the photos didn’t lie. It wasn’t a large space, but it was thoughtfully arranged. A clean, Queen-sized bed with firm support and fresh linens dominated the room. Everything was spotless and well-maintained.
The crown jewel of the room, without question, was the private balcony. Sliding open the glass door, I was greeted by an uninterrupted panorama of the Caribbean Sea. The golden sunset cast a warm glow over the gently rippling waters. Occasionally, a small fishing boat would glide across the horizon, adding movement to the serene tableau. The balcony had two woven chairs and a small round table—ideal for a quiet evening sipping mezcal in the sea breeze.
The in-room amenities included a quiet and efficient air-conditioning unit, a mini fridge, a flat-screen wall-mounted TV, and an electric kettle with complimentary tea and coffee. The bathroom was separated by frosted glass, with a hot water shower and good water pressure. The hotel-provided toiletries were locally produced, subtly scented, and gentle on the skin.
Wi-Fi speed and coverage in the room were excellent. I had no trouble holding video calls or streaming a film in the evening.
4. Breakfast by the Sea: A Balance of Local Flavors and Familiar Comforts
Breakfast was served in an open-air dining area on the ground floor. With tables overlooking the sea, it was a peaceful way to start the morning. Breakfast hours were from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
The menu varied slightly each day, leaning toward traditional Mexican fare with some Western options. On the first morning, I had Huevos a la Mexicana (scrambled eggs with tomato, onion, and chili), tostadas, black bean purée, a side of tropical fruits, caramelized plantains, and a glass of freshly blended papaya juice. On the second day, the offerings included a ham and cheese sandwich, refried beans, fresh hot chocolate, and a simple fruit salad. The coffee was freshly ground and strong—a necessary jolt to wake up fully.
While most of the restaurant staff primarily spoke Spanish, they were cheerful and helpful. Pointing and basic English words were enough to communicate, and the atmosphere remained relaxed.
5. Exploring the Area: Iconic Spots and Local Discoveries Within Walking Distance
Hotel Noor’s location made it an ideal base for exploring Chetumal on foot. A 10-minute walk south leads to the famous Boulevard Bahía, a coastal promenade popular with locals. Lined with palm trees and facing the sea, it’s perfect for an early morning jog or a romantic evening walk. From here, you can even catch a glimpse of the distant Belizean coast.
Strolling along the boulevard, I encountered vendors selling handmade crafts, coconut water, and fried corn fritters. Prices were reasonable, and the ambiance in the evenings was charming—live music, couples dancing, children playing, and the occasional street artist performing fire tricks.
About five minutes from the hotel is a local favorite, Heladería La Flor de Michoacán, a traditional ice cream shop offering flavors made from real fruit. I tried both their coconut and mango ice creams—dense, creamy, and just sweet enough. A must-visit for dessert lovers.
Tucked away on a narrow street behind the hotel is Marisquería El Taco Loco, a rustic seafood joint beloved by locals. The prices were shockingly affordable. I ordered a Ceviche Mixto (mixed citrus-marinated seafood) and a local beer, all for under MXN 200 (USD 12). Every bite was fresh, tangy, and loaded with flavor—a dish that instantly connected you to the sea just steps away.
6. Safe and Quiet Nights: Peace of Mind After Dark
There are occasional concerns online about safety in Chetumal. Personally, I experienced no issues during my stay. The area surrounding Hotel Noor felt secure even after 9 PM. People strolled the streets freely—families with children, couples walking hand in hand, joggers along the bayfront.
The hotel had visible security measures in place. There was always someone at the reception desk, day or night. At night, the entrance was locked, and only guests with valid key cards could enter. The electronic lock on my room door worked smoothly, and they updated the passcode every day for added security.
My sleep quality over the two nights was excellent. The bed was supportive, the room was cool and quiet, and the sounds of the sea in the background added a meditative calm. Around dawn, I occasionally heard the distant calls of seabirds—an oddly comforting soundtrack to the early morning hours.
7. Mornings with the Sea: Solitude, Sunlight, and Stillness
At around 7 AM each morning, soft golden light would filter through the sheer curtains and land quietly on the bed. One morning, I woke up to find myself still sitting on the balcony, having dozed off the night before with a half-finished glass of local rum. The sea was glassy and still. A white sailboat drifted lazily across the water, and a black gull perched briefly on the railing before soaring into the sky.
With a fresh cup of black coffee, I sat and watched the horizon. No itinerary, no obligations—just time, space, and the sea. That morning, I skipped my planned visit to the Bacalar Lagoon. I decided to stay in, to let the hotel’s calmness seep in a little longer.
I grabbed the book I’d bought at Cancún Airport and sank into the balcony chair for a few hours of uninterrupted reading. Around noon, I ordered lunch from the hotel’s room service—a plate of Tacos de Res (beef tacos) with homemade salsa. The meat was tender, the tortillas warm and soft, and the salsa brought just the right amount of fire. Frankly, it rivaled dishes I’d had in major cities.
8. A Bittersweet Farewell: Looking Ahead from the Balcony
On my final morning, I woke up earlier than usual. I wanted one last moment on that balcony. The sea was calm, the sky soft and blue, and a sense of contentment settled quietly over me.
Checkout was as efficient as check-in—no surprise charges, no fuss. I handed over my key card, received a warm smile and a heartfelt “Buen viaje” from the staff, then rolled my suitcase toward the ADO station.
Hotel Noor didn’t dazzle with extravagance. It didn’t try to impress with excess. What it offered was a kind of subtle hospitality, rooted in comfort, quiet, and a connection to the sea. Every morning and every night there felt like an invitation to slow down. To breathe. To just be.
